Long-Planned

The highland night fell swiftly and suddenly, blanketing everything in darkness. Only the village lights flickered like stars set in black jade.

When Fang Zhou awoke, he was enveloped in pitch blackness, unable to see anything.

Instinctively, he reached for his phone to light up the room, but after a moment of fumbling, he remembered he didn’t have a phone.

As he prepared to get out of bed and find the light switch in the dark, a woman’s soft murmur came from the wall.

“Mm…”

Startled, Fang Zhou leaned back, whispering, “Who’s there?”

With no moonlight, the open window was useless, adding to the mystery.

Could it be some mountain spirit or ghost?

Just as Fang Zhou’s imagination ran wild, the voice’s owner dispelled his thoughts.

As soon as the woman spoke, Fang Zhou knew who it was.

Qiao Sisi softly asked, “Can’t sleep more? Or are you hungry?”

Her voice was hoarse, clearly just waking up.

Fang Zhou remained silent, so Qiao Sisi continued:

“Hold on, I’ll turn on the light. Close your eyes first.”

Then Fang Zhou heard soft movements, and the light flicked on, brightening the room.

The sudden light stung Fang Zhou’s eyes, reflexively closing them, realizing he was a beat too slow.

In that instant, the small gesture seemed to cast a spell, making the usually reserved Qiao Sisi smile brilliantly.

Her melodious laughter echoed like silver bells, seemingly penetrating the soul.

Her beautiful eyes curved into crescents, shining brightly like the most dazzling stars.

Her already elegant face, with just the right touch of makeup, now appeared even more playful and lively.

A breeze lifted strands of hair from her forehead, enhancing her allure.

From afar, she seemed like a mischievous sprite from a midnight dream, bringing joy and vitality to the world.

“I told you to close your eyes, but you didn’t listen, hmph.”

Her playful scold gave Fang Zhou the illusion she was still the easily appeased starlet.

After a while, Fang Zhou could open his eyes, observing the room’s unchanged decor, now with an extra person.

He had no idea when Qiao Sisi joined him on the bed; he hadn’t noticed.

“Why are you sleeping here?”

Fang Zhou asked out of habit.

Qiao Sisi smiled, winking playfully, “If not here, where? We’re getting married tomorrow.”

Fang Zhou didn’t want to argue; Qiao Sisi would follow her plan regardless of his stance.

So why waste words? Better to focus on escaping.

He paused, about to speak, when his stomach growled, protesting.

Qiao Sisi laughed, understanding.

“You haven’t eaten all day; you must be hungry. I’ll bring the food, kept warm on the stove.”

Laughing, she got out of bed, acting like a devoted wife.

Fang Zhou had never experienced such treatment.

Before and after reuniting, Qiao Sisi was usually the one cared for, not doing such meticulous tasks.

Fang Zhou thought she was pretending, trying to lower his guard.

But when she brought the food, unwrapped disposable chopsticks, and looked at him expectantly, Fang Zhou felt a moment of disorientation.

It felt like they were truly a couple, supporting each other.

“See if you like it. If not, I’ll make something else.”

Seeing Fang Zhou hesitate, Qiao Sisi patiently urged.

Fang Zhou finally looked at the dishes, surprised, “You made these?”

The dishes looked appetizing, not like a beginner’s work.

Wasn’t she someone who never cooked?

When did she learn? It was unbelievable.

Qiao Sisi had publicly claimed, “Cooking is impossible, not in this lifetime.”

She was even dubbed the “Most Out of Touch” star for it.

But now, she confidently told Fang Zhou, “Yes, try it, please!”

With that, Fang Zhou had no reason to starve himself.

He was ready to praise it even if it tasted bad.

But as he tasted the beef, he realized he’d underestimated her.

The beef, thin as a cicada’s wing, was delicious with spicy sauce.

“How is it? Tasty?”

Qiao Sisi watched eagerly, her eyes sparkling cutely.

Fang Zhou nodded, honestly saying, “It’s good, quite nice.”

He wasn’t just flattering; the cooking wasn’t learned overnight.

Qiao Sisi laughed joyfully, clasping her hands in excitement.

She murmured, as if to herself, “Good, my years of practice paid off.”

Fang Zhou paused, looking at her in confusion.

Had she been learning to cook for years?

Didn’t that contradict her image?

Qiao Sisi blushed, yet shared her thoughts.

“Because I wanted to cook for you when we met again.”

I wanted to show you that Qiao Sisi wasn’t just waiting for you to cook and clean.

She could care for herself, and even you.

“Unfortunately, only now do I have the chance.”

A shadow passed through her eyes.

Their fate wasn’t strong enough; otherwise, they wouldn’t have been apart.

But it’s okay, now’s the time to seize it.

“Eat up, then take a walk and wash up before bed.”

Qiao Sisi had prepared everything, down to toiletries.

Such detail unnerved Fang Zhou.

When did she start planning this?

This wasn’t a spur-of-the-moment plan; it was long in the making.

After all, two strangers arriving in the village, one unconscious, and no one reported it—quite something.

Fang Zhou felt increasingly burdened.

Escaping seemed increasingly difficult.